WhatsApp Marketing Rules for Indian Businesses (2026)
WhatsApp is the #1 way Indian customers contact businesses. Misuse can get your number banned, though.
WhatsApp Business App vs API
The free Business App suits one phone and manual replies. The WhatsApp Business Platform (API), through Meta partners like Interakt, AiSensy or WATI, adds chatbots, multiple agents and approved broadcasts.
Rule 1: Opt-in first
Message only customers who have agreed to hear from you, for example through a website checkbox, a click-to-WhatsApp ad, or the customer messaging you first. Don't buy number lists.
Rule 2: Templates for business-initiated messages
On the API, messages you start (outside a 24-hour reply window) must use Meta-approved templates. Meta charges per conversation or message by category.
Rule 3: Easy opt-out
Let people reply STOP and honour it.
Rule 4: Quality rating
If many people block or report you, Meta lowers your limits or bans the number. Send useful, relevant messages, not daily spam.
Rule 5: Data protection
Under India's DPDP Act, collect only the data you need, tell people why, and delete it on request.
About the green tick
Meta decides verification. No agency can guarantee it.